Posted by Dave Cryer on January 29, 2009 at 3:00am
Just a quick hello to anyone I know here and the hundreds of you that I don't. I did notice Lynne & Anne smiling back at me while I was having a look around, so hi in particular to them.And hello to all you others. I'm not a teacher or a librarian, but some kind of self-invented hybrid. Most days I'm in a school library somewhere and I am an ex-teacher, but now I work freelance, running workshops which combine fiction, drama & creative writing. The one I do most is an exploration of fiction through drama.I run a Facebook group for Children's Fiction and I'm currently trying to link up the librarians & writers of the Facebook community in order to promote Writers in Schools. I'm active on the SLN, a UK-based, but global message board for librarians.My passion is for literature. Today's young readers are tomorrow's writers, librarians & teachers. Reading for pleasure is key. We're suffering a squeeze on libraries in the UK at the moment and networking such as this, alongside movements such as Alan Gibbons's Campaign for the Book are an important part of maintaining the status of the book in society.I also like beer & whisky. Just thought I'd lower the tone to finish off.Tara for now,Dave.
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Posted by Brooke Layton on January 27, 2009 at 11:37am
I am open to any advice or knowledge that any of you might have. This is my first semester in FSU's MLIS program. I have volunteered at Gulf Breeze Middle School's Media Center with Mrs. Sharon Henderson and I have observed Mrs. Michelle Lingo at Hallmark Elementary. However, I still feel unprepared and vulnerable! I have emailed our local school system to try and obtain a paraprofessional position at a media center while in graduate school, but there is currently a budget crisis and they have gotten rid of most paraprofessionals in our district.Any advice?
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Posted by Debra Howell on January 26, 2009 at 9:23pm
Thesis papers are considered the most essential tool to getting a diploma. Without going though writing thesis papers, receiving that very important paper would be far from reality.A thesis paper is a long-type of thesis paper work which requires the author’s mental and analytical capabilities. It also requires a maximum level of time and effort so as to come up with an impressive thesis paper outcome.Thesis papers might be a little time consuming if the writer doesn’t know the process or stages. But, it the author does know what should come first, it won’t bring any hassle.So how should one come up with an impressive thesis paper? Here are the six stages that a thesis paper author should undergo.Stage 1: Think of a Possible TopicRemember that the basic foundation in doing thesis papers is the topic. It would be hard for someone to start researching something if he doesn’t know what to research about at all. In choosing a topic, bear in mind that it should be something inclined to the author’s interest. Ideas will come pouring if the topic is something that interests the author.Stage 2: Prepare the ProposalAfter opting the topic, preparation o the proposal comes next. In this stage, make sure that all the necessary information regarding the topic will be presented. Also, keep in mind that the main purpose is to catch the both the professor’s interest, curiosity and approval.Stage 3: Conduct the ResearchAfter getting the professor’s go signal, then the next thing to do is to conduct the research proper. Look for the resources that will support the paper. Go to a specific area to conduct a survey regarding the topic. Make sure that all the needed information is at hand before ending your research.Stage 4: Write the Thesis PaperThis is the time to cuddle up the writer’s ideas and other essential information garnered during the surveying and researching process.Stage 5: Allowing Others to Read and Give Their OpinionsAs aforementioned, thesis papers are the key towards receiving that very important paper called diploma. With that, the author has to make sure that his research work is nothing but excellent. To achieve that goal, allowing other people read and comment about the paper will help the author attain his number one goal, to make an exemplary thesis paper to receive that very important diploma.Stage 6: Revise the Paper if NecessaryThis is basically the last part of doing thesis papers. Edit the paper I needed. This will be based from the feedback that the writer got from stage five. Keep in mind hat editing is an important tool to achieve excellence.To sum it all up, thesis papers are the pressure that one has to undergo to accomplish a particular goal, which is, to graduate. If the paper is nothing but fantastic, then there is no need worry about not wearing the toga.
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Posted by Debra Howell on January 26, 2009 at 9:22pm
Thesis papers are considered the most essential tool to getting a diploma. Without going though writing thesis papers, receiving that very important paper would be far from reality.A thesis paper is a long-type of thesis paper work which requires the author’s mental and analytical capabilities. It also requires a maximum level of time and effort so as to come up with an impressive thesis paper outcome.Thesis papers might be a little time consuming if the writer doesn’t know the process or stages. But, it the author does know what should come first, it won’t bring any hassle.So how should one come up with an impressive thesis paper? Here are the six stages that a thesis paper author should undergo.Stage 1: Think of a Possible TopicRemember that the basic foundation in doing thesis papers is the topic. It would be hard for someone to start researching something if he doesn’t know what to research about at all. In choosing a topic, bear in mind that it should be something inclined to the author’s interest. Ideas will come pouring if the topic is something that interests the author.Stage 2: Prepare the ProposalAfter opting the topic, preparation o the proposal comes next. In this stage, make sure that all the necessary information regarding the topic will be presented. Also, keep in mind that the main purpose is to catch the both the professor’s interest, curiosity and approval.Stage 3: Conduct the ResearchAfter getting the professor’s go signal, then the next thing to do is to conduct the research proper. Look for the resources that will support the paper. Go to a specific area to conduct a survey regarding the topic. Make sure that all the needed information is at hand before ending your research.Stage 4: Write the Thesis PaperThis is the time to cuddle up the writer’s ideas and other essential information garnered during the surveying and researching process.Stage 5: Allowing Others to Read and Give Their OpinionsAs aforementioned, thesis papers are the key towards receiving that very important paper called diploma. With that, the author has to make sure that his research work is nothing but excellent. To achieve that goal, allowing other people read and comment about the paper will help the author attain his number one goal, to make an exemplary thesis paper to receive that very important diploma.Stage 6: Revise the Paper if NecessaryThis is basically the last part of doing thesis papers. Edit the paper I needed. This will be based from the feedback that the writer got from stage five. Keep in mind hat editing is an important tool to achieve excellence.To sum it all up, thesis papers are the pressure that one has to undergo to accomplish a particular goal, which is, to graduate. If the paper is nothing but fantastic, then there is no need worry about not wearing the toga.
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Every writer, in order to excel in paper writing, must note that writing is not just a mere activity that requires knowledge and critical thinking, but an action that demands attitude. There were writers who often fail and end up disregarding their own works. A person, no matter how insightful and smart, can still end up in a fiasco if there is an undesirable attitude associated with the task. To be a successful writer, one must remember these:1. Patience is a virtue. This cliché covers every human activity. Especially in paper writing, patience builds up a writer to accomplish the works started. A writer may be tempted to reject a written work after a couple of mistakes. Impatience leads to anger, and anger subsequently leads to nothing. It could just ruin the writer’s entire mood and cause distraction. To be patient, a writer must have a vision, that at the end of the day, there should be an output.One prominent technique associated with patience to prevent rejection of works is counting one to ten immediately after a writer commits a mistake. Holding the composure and emptying the mind for a moment contributes to patience.2. It is now or never. If a writer can do it now, then do it now. Do not defer an action should there be a chance in accomplishing it. Procrastination is a virus that is fatal to ever career. Have discipline. Deferring paper writing not only jeopardizes the deadline, it develops a degrading psychosis to the writer as well. Procrastination is an easy habit but is also a disease.Focusing on the writing task is a good motivation to finish it. A writer may use a pen and paper or a computer, but all the same, holding these tools sets up the mood and focus. The tools also build up the vision (like “Why stare at the screen?” or “What is this pen and paper for?”), a goal, or a finish line.3. Be involved. To effectively come up with a good write up, a writer must have involvement in it. The topic must be at least associated with personal interests, or there must be willingness to write about it. Paper writing is not solely about research and the obligatory working towards the finish line; it is also about acquiring new lessons and experiences, and broadening the writer’s personal interests.No topic is irrelevant. Every topic, whether outside the writer’s discipline, is significant. A writer must have the want and need to discuss a subject.Research and essay writing skills go hand-in-hand with favorable writing attitudes. The two are complementary in a way that in the absence of one, a writer cannot be totally effective. There must be balance in the writer.
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Dear friendsI am keenly interested in setting up a secondary school in Ugandawhich will have six levels of secondary education i.e. Senior 1 up toSenior 6.From Senior 6, students join university education.I have already secured land measuring 4 acres which is big enough forthis project.I am therefore looking for a joint venture partner with whom we can put up thisproject in Uganda.If you are interested in the project, please let me know.Best regardsAndrew Ssemwangaassemwanga@gmail.com
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Posted by Kathy Stemke on January 22, 2009 at 6:51am
My first monthly newsletter is ready to ship. To learn more about this new resource for book reviews, information, teaching tips, and movement activities go to my blog: http://educationtipster.blogspot.com/ Thanks, please let me know what you think. Kathy Stemke
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This is one of the best books I have ever read - a masterpiece for avid readers, artists and movie buffs! Brian Selznick artistically blends his gift of words and his incredible illustrations to weave a tale that will stir the imagination. In the story a boy, named Hugo, is an orphan ( basically), living in the walls of a train station and doing the job his drunken uncle should be doing... taking care of the train station clocks. His whole existence is a secret until the toy maker's daughter finds him. It turns out Hugo, the toy maker and the girl's histories are intertwined. Their discovery of each other brings suspense, discovery, and a new life for all. This is a must read!
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I would like some input on what a schedule would look like, if you were suddenly given the job of becoming a district librarian. It would consist of 3 schools; high school, middle school, and elementary school. Any help or suggestions or resources would be extremely helpful.Thanks
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bookshelves: read, mystery, realistic-fiction, ya
status: Read in January, 2009
review: Sunny is a tough teen who doesn't really miss her sister, Jazz who died in a fire at college. Jazz was a master manipulator who tortured Sunny,impressed and beguiled everyone, especially her parents. Now her mom is a zombie, crying and laying around all day. Her father is a drunk who has fled their home and Sunny is left to care for her, go to school and keep things together. All that changes on the day a yellow letter arrives from Jazz; has she risen from the dead, was she really out of town...more Sunny is a tough teen who doesn't really miss her sister, Jazz who died in a fire at college. Jazz was a master manipulator who tortured Sunny,impressed and beguiled everyone, especially her parents. Now her mom is a zombie, crying and laying around all day. Her father is a drunk who has fled their home and Sunny is left to care for her, go to school and keep things together. All that changes on the day a yellow letter arrives from Jazz; has she risen from the dead, was she really out of town during the fire? When Jazz comes home to her mother, her arms enfold her in a big hug, but Sunny and her dad are not convinced this is Jazz. Giles uses her suspenseful writing to spin a haunting tale that reluctant readers will love .
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bookshelves: read, multicultural-fiction, realistic-fiction, ya
status: Read in January, 2009
review: Just finished this 3rd book by Schmidt and I was sooooo moved by this tense, funny, suspenseful story and you really get to know each character and will love them, hate them or decide you can just plain accept them. Henry, just like Holling in The Wednesday Wars, is unforgettable. I love the way they both look at the world, their families and how they make decisions, good, bad or indifferent. Schmidt really has a way with words----just love him. Keep the great books coming. This will be one...more Just finished this 3rd book by Schmidt and I was sooooo moved by this tense, funny, suspenseful story and you really get to know each character and will love them, hate them or decide you can just plain accept them. Henry, just like Holling in The Wednesday Wars, is unforgettable. I love the way they both look at the world, their families and how they make decisions, good, bad or indifferent. Schmidt really has a way with words----just love him. Keep the great books coming. This will be one of my favorites to booktalk, hope the students like it just as much.
I learned you can't run from Trouble (just like Henry) but you have to learn how to live with it and learn to find happiness with life as it really is. Also, people need to accept immigrants and not judge them on what their race, origin, etc. is but to get to know them as people, just people, like you and me
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bookshelves: read, novels-in-verse, realistic-fiction, ya (edit)
status: Read in December, 2008
review: Wow, what a great novel in verse!!!I loved Wild's other book, Jinx----but this one is even better about four teens with their own kind of baggage and the mistakes they make and the changes they make to correct. A compelling read with a very sweet satisfying conclusion.
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bookshelves: read, biography (edit)
status: Read in December, 2008
review: I found Nic Sheff's account of his many relapses and ongoing battle with addictions very believable. Addictions make you a person who doesn't care what you do to others as long as you are high on meth, cocaine, whatever your drug or alchohol of choice is....until the next time and the next time. You become a liar, a thief, an enemy to your family and friends just to continue your craving for the next and even more lethal high. I can't wait to read Beautiful Boy, his dad's account of his son's...more I found Nic Sheff's account of his many relapses and ongoing battle with addictions very believable. Addictions make you a person who doesn't care what you do to others as long as you are high on meth, cocaine, whatever your drug or alchohol of choice is....until the next time and the next time. You become a liar, a thief, an enemy to your family and friends just to continue your craving for the next and even more lethal high. I can't wait to read Beautiful Boy, his dad's account of his son's addictions. I find these memoirs compelling, teens love them and the fact that Nic is now recovering is what is most important---not that he is a great writer---just that he is a person who now cares about his family, friends and being a better person and making it through each day with honesty and integrity
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bookshelves: read, historical-fiction (edit)
status: Read in January, 2009
review: I love Holling Hoodhood---where does someone think up a name like that? I totally enjoyed his voice, his humor, his angst. The Shakespeare plays during the afternoons with Mrs Baker were so much fun to read about (helped me remember why I liked them!!!) and Holling's father was a complete A_ _ who became even more annoying and threatening as the book progressed. The coverage of the times--the Vietnam War, Bobby Kennedy, MLK and baseball will be easily digested by readers, there is even the dr...more I love Holling Hoodhood---where does someone think up a name like that? I totally enjoyed his voice, his humor, his angst. The Shakespeare plays during the afternoons with Mrs Baker were so much fun to read about (helped me remember why I liked them!!!) and Holling's father was a complete A_ _ who became even more annoying and threatening as the book progressed. The coverage of the times--the Vietnam War, Bobby Kennedy, MLK and baseball will be easily digested by readers, there is even the dreaded standardized testing. I love Gary Schmidt and I think I will just go right into his next book, Trouble. For those of you that enjoy great historical fiction, also read his other book, Lizzy Bright and the Buckminster Boy!
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Love Gail Giles---Playing in Traffic is aptly titled, about a teen, Matt, who is pretty pathetic when it comes to girls, he has about 2 friends and mostly absentee parents. He is really close to his kid sister, Katy, because of his hands off parents and something he overheard when he was 10 years old. After that, Matt was Kayt's parents, best friend and confidant. Now Matt is being set up and seduced by bad girl, Skye. He knows "she plays in traffic"----and he doesn't, but it feels so exciting to be with her---AND no one knows about this relationship, either....The mind games these two play on each other is unnerving, a quick read that teens won't be able to put down and what an ending!!! I learned that if you can't trust yourself, you shouldn't trust someone else, especially if they are as unbalanced as SKYE!
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Help!!! I need advice on what to consider when choosing a Library Science Masters Program.What is the difference between an ALA approved Masters program and a Teacher-Librarian program/certification?Is it less expensive to complete a classroom program, a hybrid program, or an on-line program?In your opinion, which program will be most beneficial to me as I continue working in a school library?Are there any scholarships or grants specifically available for males/more "mature" students/first time librarians?
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Posted by Brad Riffel on January 15, 2009 at 5:56am
I''m an elementary school librarian in Amarillo, Texas. I've written a children's book about some of the things that drive me crazy about little guys and the library. Specifically about putting books back on the shelf where they found them and putting them on the shelf correctly. The book is Callie: The Missing Book. It also tries to teach students about the spine label and the importance of a call number.I had hoped to sell the 250 books needed to get me in the "black"before releasing the powerpoint to the public. However, I've decided to go ahead and make it available to librarians in the hope they may purchase the book.You can find the power point at www.bradriffel.com/bookI hope it helps you to convey to your students the importance of putting the books back where they go.Brad
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According to the Associated Press, The Bunny Suicides will remain on the shelves in Central Linn High School Library. Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian will be removed from classroom study but will be allowed to remain in the library. Full article is available from AP.
I've had some positive resolutions to book challenges, but I also had one outrageous situation where a parent made her teenage foster child burn a library book Drawing the Human Form and it took me quite some time to recover from the shock that someone would actually burn a book instead of following through with a challenge. If anyone else would like to comment on their experiences with book challenges, I'd be interested to hear about them.
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I work at a middle school in Bryan County, Georgia, and we have begun having a once a month Book Club meeting. The idea originally started with a former student of mine last year. When he went off to the high school, we nominated upcoming 8th graders who took over the sessions. We all read the books, and Lauren and Daniel lead the discussions while we all eat. I have been surprised and impressed by the high level of discussion that the students involved contribute. We have students from 6-8th grade. We have no formal attendance, if you don't like the book, you can drop out for a month and pick it up again later. I work with our media specialist to supervise, but that is all that we do. I really enjoy my lunch on that day!
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